DeepSeek, an Innovative AI
DeepSeek, the Chinese chatbot launched on January 20, 2025, stands out as a formidable competitor to ChatGPT. Developed by a startup founded by Liang Wenfeng, the system made headlines within days, immediately appealing to the general public and reaching the top of download charts on distribution platforms.
A High-Performance Open Source Technology
The platform is based on two open source language models, named R1 and V3. These models allow users to perform complex tasks requiring strong contextualization, such as planning or solving divergent problems.
What truly sets DeepSeek apart is its ability to meet the demands of a wide range of applications, displaying performance comparable to that of ChatGPT, according to many experts. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, called the R1 model impressive.
Reduced Development Costs
DeepSeek has managed to design its models at a negligible cost compared to its competitors. The V3 model, which includes 600 billion parameters, required about 5.6 million dollars for its development. In comparison, the development of GPT-4 cost 80 million dollars.
- Hardware Optimization: The use of less expensive Nvidia H800 chips allowed the company to circumvent US restrictions.
- Advanced Technology: Leveraging the latest innovations, the company reduced the resources needed to train its model.
- Government Support: The Chinese government provided subsidies, thus lowering development costs.
Censorship-Guided Responses
Apparent in its operation, DeepSeek incorporates censorship mechanisms imposed by the Chinese state. Internet users quickly attempted to question the chatbot on sensitive topics such as Xi Jinping’s politics. In response, DeepSeek systematically retreated, indicating that it was “beyond its scope” for these topics.
“Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”
Reactions from American Giants
The rise of DeepSeek caused a shockwave in the markets, with a notable drop of 2.63% in the Nasdaq index on January 27, 2025. Nvidia, the global leader in AI chips, saw its shares plummet by more than 13% at opening.
Donald Trump expressed his concerns over this Chinese advancement, labeling it a warning signal for American industries. In response, the new president announced the Stargate project, a massive investment in the AI sector.
Global Accessibility of DeepSeek
Unlike ChatGPT, DeepSeek is presented as a completely free service. Accessible via a web interface and available on iOS and Android, it offers multilingual features. Users must create an account to access it, a requirement that differs from that of ChatGPT, which relaxed its access conditions in April 2024.
The interface of DeepSeek, meanwhile, resembles that of ChatGPT, with various search and interaction modes, although some features, such as voice mode, are still absent, further highlighting its limitations.
To learn more about DeepSeek’s innovation and its global implications, several detailed articles are available, offering an analysis of the impacts on the AI market, as well as potential challenges for U.S. national security.
Concerns regarding U.S. national security continue to emerge as the struggle between technological powers intensifies. For additional details, readers can refer to articles related to the economic and strategic implications of the rise of DeepSeek.
Frequently Asked Questions about DeepSeek
What is DeepSeek and why is it considered a competitor to ChatGPT?
DeepSeek is a Chinese chatbot launched on January 20, 2025, known for its performance comparable to that of ChatGPT. It uses two open source language models, R1 and V3, and benefits from advanced technologies as well as government support, allowing it to compete effectively with American technology giants.
What are the development costs of DeepSeek compared to those of ChatGPT?
The development of DeepSeek’s V3 model cost approximately 5.6 million dollars, compared to 80 million dollars for OpenAI’s GPT-4. This significant difference is due to hardware optimization, advanced technology, and government support.
What are the main advantages of DeepSeek over other AI on the market?
DeepSeek stands out for its free accessibility, its ability to perform complex tasks with strong contextualization, and a development cost significantly lower than that of its competitors. These assets enable it to present itself as a serious alternative to paid services like ChatGPT.
What are the limitations of DeepSeek in terms of addressed topics?
DeepSeek integrates censorship mechanisms dictated by the Chinese government, which prevents it from addressing certain sensitive topics such as national politics or controversial historical events. Users encounter limitations when the chatbot refuses to engage with such topics by retracting.
How to access DeepSeek and use it?
DeepSeek is available for free on a web platform as well as on mobile applications for iOS and Android. However, it is necessary to create an account to use it, which differs from some services like ChatGPT that have relaxed this requirement.
Why did the launch of DeepSeek raise concerns among American technology giants?
DeepSeek destabilized the American technology market, leading to a decline in shares of companies like Nvidia. This reaction is due to the potential loss of their dominance in the artificial intelligence market, facing a competitor offering low-cost solutions and easier access.
